Devonport Navy MuseumGallery Master Plan

The National Museum of the Royal New Zealand Navy commissioned a concept assessment/ feasibility study of its Gallery Master Plan (GMP) to further develop the Torpedo Bay site.

The GMP was developed in order to strengthen visitors’ engagement with the Museum, and in particular to respond to the important aspects of naval history that are perceived as missing from the current visitor experience. Development of the Museum’s Torpedo Bay site is constrained by its physical characteristics, which include the historic Mine Store, currently not in use. The Navy Museum’s management recognised that the restoration of the Mine Store for museum purposes would generate additional space and this is the catalyst for the GMP initiative.

The research investigated four main objectives outlined in the GMP which stated that the implementation of the plan would reinstate previously inaccessible heritage structures (Mine Store); help to better present New Zealand's naval history; provide a richer and deeper visitor experience and contribute value to Devonport's communities of interest.

Data collection included an online survey of museum stakeholders, including visitors, which generated 238 responses. Hosting two Focus groups on site to canvas opinions from both the geographical community and naval interests. This primary research was supplemented by an extensive situation analysis which reported on the external environment in which the Museum operates that may affect the impact on the GMP positively and negatively.

The research showed strong levels of support of the Navy Museum from all interested stakeholders for the implementation of the GMP with certain caveats in place. The Navy Museum’s management are currently exploring funding options.

NZTRI carried out a similar feasibility study /concept assessment for the Navy Museum in 2013 for plans to have a World War One Resource Centre and Commemoration Space on site. The positive outcome of that research contributed to the success of the project with both the First World War commemorative space and the A.D. Boyle Room at the Navy Museum opening in March 2015.

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The New Zealand Tourism Research Institute is based at AUT University, Auckland, New Zealand.